France has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop it from being arguably the most confusing and bureaucratic, especially for expats.
In today’s blog, we will provide you with a simple roadmap to help you understand what to do, when and why. Once you understand the steps, it becomes a lot easier and more manageable in this, otherwise, complex healthcare system.
A Simple Guide to Navigating the France Healthcare System
What You Need Before Arriving in France
One thing most expats don’t know is that they need health insurance to be granted visas and residence permits. The France medical care system is designed in this manner to ensure immigrants won’t burden the healthcare system. On your end, it ensures you are covered from the very first day you arrive in the country.
This type of insurance is usually private (in France) or international and must be recognised by the French authorities. You can get it through online insurance providers. Just make sure you specify that you need a policy designed for expats or long stays.
Although it is a temporary cover (as you wait to join the public system), it should cover things like medical emergencies, hospitalisation and other basic care you might need during the transition period.
Joining the French Public Health System (PUMa)
The next step for you as an expert is joining the French public health system, commonly known as Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMa).
As an expat, you will be eligible for this public health coverage once you establish legal residence in the country. But the timing for eligibility can differ from one person to another. Here is a quick breakdown:
- Standard case – in most cases, you will need to live in the country for 3 consecutive months before applying for PUMa.
- If you are working – for people under employment, coverage can start immediately you start work. No 3-month waiting period in this case.
So, if you aren’t working (a student, retiree, etc.), you will have to wait for the full 3 months before eligibility kicks in. So, what documents will you need for the application?
- Passport (ID)
- Proof of residence (legal address)
- Birth certificate
- Bank details (for reimbursements)
- Proof of employment
Reimbursements
For the French health care system, patients don’t pay direct monthly premiums. It is an indirect charge (via social charges) system. So what happens when you go to the hospital?
When you get to the hospital, you usually have to pay the amount upfront and then get reimbursed later. The public system will typically cover around 70% of standard doctor visits and up to 80% (or more) for hospital care. For patients with serious conditions (mostly chronic illnesses), this coverage can go up to 100%.
However, it is important to note that most hospitals accept direct billing (especially when the cost is high to pay upfront). In such a case, you won’t need to part with money at the hospital.
Complete Your Coverage With Mutuelle
The French public medical system is pretty good on its own, but it is not complete. That’s why you will need mutuelle.
This is a complementary (top-up) health insurance. It is a private insurance that works alongside the public system, with the main purpose of covering the extra costs.
Remember, reimbursements are usually between 70% and 90% of the amount spent upfront (rarely hitting 100%). Having this additional coverage ensures you cut out-of-pocket expenses for things like dental, vision and specialist care.
Conclusion
The first healthcare system is undoubtedly excellent, but it can be confusing at first. But start by getting private insurance for a visa and coverage in the early days in the country. Next, register with the French Medical System (after three months or immediately you begin working). Finally, add mutuelle for full coverage.
If you find it complicated to navigate, do not hesitate to ask for help from people who have already gone through the process (such as friends, colleagues and fellow expats).
